Summary of the Essay Prayer by Mahatma Gandhi
The essay 'Prayer' is written by M.K. Gandhi. In this essay Mahatma Gandhi has dwelt upon the necessity of prayer and the essence of prayer. In this essay, Mahatma Gandhi speaks about the efficacy of prayer. Tennyson once said, "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dream of." Gandhiji had firm faith in the efficacy of prayer for self-purification. He tells the inmates of the Wardha Ashram that prayer is the very soul and essence of religion. He believes that prayer must be the central part of the life of man. No man can live without prayer. Man does recognise some kind of relationship with the divine. Even an atheist does not live without some kind of religion.
Prayer is the most vital part of religion. Prayer is the central part of the life of man. Prayer is no mere exercise of words. It is not a mere repetition of an empty formula. Repetition of Rama - Nama must stir the soul. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words, than words without a heart. Just as a hungry man enjoys a hearty meal, so a hungry soul will relish a heartfelt prayer. A man who experienced the magic of prayer may go without food for days together, but not a single moment without a prayer. Without prayer, there is no inward peace.
There is a constant struggle going on in man's heart between the forces of darkness and of light. A person who does not depend on prayer will be a victim to the power of darkness. The man who goes about the world without a prayerful heart will be miserable and will make the world miserable.
Gandhiji advises his listeners to begin their day with prayer and make it soulful. We should close the day with prayer so that we may have a peaceful night free from dreams and nightmares.
A man who chooses the path of freedom from restraint will be a slave of passions. All things in the universe obey certain laws. We human beings who want to serve others must also discipline ourselves and put some restraints upon us. We should discipline ourselves to say our prayers everyday.
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Meaning of Difficult Words :
Efficacy :- प्रà¤ावVital :- महत्वपूर्ण
Restraint :- संयम
Slave :- दास
Relish :- स्वाद
